In a best-value evaluation, how are non-price factors treated relative to price?

• A. Non-price factors are considered in the tradeoff alongside price to determine best value.
• B. Non-price factors are ignored if price is low.
• C. Only price determines the award.
• D. Non-price factors override price entirely.

Answer: (A)

In a best-value evaluation, both price and non-price factors are weighed together in a tradeoff to determine the best overall value. Price isn’t the sole driver, and non-price factors like technical merit, past performance, and management approach can justify selecting a higher-priced proposal if it offers greater overall value. This is why the correct approach recognizes that non-price factors are considered alongside price, not ignored, not exclusive, and not overridden entirely by price.

The other statements don’t fit because they imply non-price factors are ignored when price is low, or that only price determines the award, or that non-price factors completely trump price. In reality, price and non-price factors form a balanced evaluation to arrive at the best value.